She’s called Smurfette and she was created as a solitary female temptation for the Smurfs.

But, after 50 years of being the only blue girl in town, Smurfette is about to get some girl power company. The owner of the rights to the gnomes says there aren’t enough ladies in Smurf land.

As a result, a computer-animated 3D film, released later this year to mark the Smurfing half century, will contain ‘a greater female presence’.

Smurfer’s paradise: Nine Culliford (centre), the widow of Peyo, with children Veronique and Thierry

You’d think the average male Smurf would jump for joy at the news that the sole Smurfette was getting some friends. After all, she was placed in Smurf land by the evil Gargamel to cause havoc among the menfolk.

However, since most of the males are about as butch as Dale Winton in a tutu, this may not cause much of a stir.

Hendrik Coysman, who runs the Smurf rights holder IMPS, explained the sudden rise of girl power in Smurf land. ‘There have been dramatic changes in sociocultural values in the past 20 to 25 years. One of these is girl empowerment,’ he said.

‘So, there will be a greater female presence in the Smurf village and this will be a basis for new stories.’

He added: ‘This will probably turn upside down certain traditional situations within the village.’

The Smurfs were created by Belgian animator Peyo in the 1950s. They are best-known for their 1980s TV cartoon series but have also been movie and recording stars.